Mineral Oil Findings in Recycled Fibre Food Packaging
Recycled paperboard packaging requires verified functional barriers and HPLC-GC-FID test dossiers to prevent gas-phase MOSH and MOAH food contamination.
SC PAFF Joint Statement
Policy Recommendation
European administrative bodies provide guidance on the safety of food contact materials through the work of specialized committees. The sc paff joint statement reflects the consensus among member states regarding the presence of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons in food products. It establishes a non binding but highly influential set of threshold levels that enforcement authorities use during inspections.
This document helps to harmonize the approach to food safety across the different national markets.
Contaminant Threshold
Monitoring levels for mineral oils are defined based on the fat content of the food being tested. The sc paff joint statement suggests that action should be taken when the concentration of aromatics exceeds a certain limit, such as half a milligram per kilogram for low fat products. These figures are not yet part of a formal regulation but they serve as the primary reference for laboratory results.
Regulatory Alignment
Manufacturers use these guidelines to assess the risk of their packaging and to decide if a barrier is necessary. By following the sc paff joint statement, a company can demonstrate that it is taking the necessary steps to protect consumers from potential health risks. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of product recalls and legal challenges from consumer protection groups.